Katy running back Rodney Anderson (26) scores on a 37-yard touchdown run during the first half of a high school football game against Cinco Ranch at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Katy running back Rodney Anderson (26) scores on a 37-yard touchdown run during the first half of a high school football game against Cinco Ranch at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

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Katy player line up behind a banner reading "Just Another Game" before they take the field for a high school football game against Cinco Ranch at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Katy player line up behind a banner reading "Just Another Game" before they take the field for a high school football game against Cinco Ranch at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

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Katy running back Adam Taylor (28) leaps over Cinco Ranch linebacker Robby Chesnick (11) during the first half of a high school football game at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Katy running back Adam Taylor (28) leaps over Cinco Ranch linebacker Robby Chesnick (11) during the first half of a high school football game at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

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Katy defensive back Juan Yeverino is tossed high in the air over his teammates as they take the field before a high school football game against Cinco Ranch at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Katy defensive back Juan Yeverino is tossed high in the air over his teammates as they take the field before a high school football game against Cinco Ranch at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

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Cinco Ranch starting quarterback Cole Thomas (10) is consoled on the sidelines as ice is applied to his ankle after being injured during the first half of a high school football game against Katy at Rhodes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Katy.

Cinco Ranch starting quarterback Cole Thomas (10) is consoled on the sidelines as ice is applied to his ankle after being injured during the first half of a high school football game against Katy at Rhodes

It was likely a shot at Cinco Ranch, which has only one win over Katy in this one-sided rivalry.

But Saturday at Rhodes Stadium wasn't just another game for either. Katy held off the Cougars 35-21, scoring twice in four minutes during the third quarter to pull away after Cinco Ranch got to within three.

The game took nearly four hours to complete, as two weather delays forced the teams back to their dressing rooms and the capacity crowd to the parking lots.

Landmark victoryIt also produced the 500th win for Katy, the state's top-ranked Class 5A team and six-time state champion. The three numbers were splashed across the backs of many Tigers fans, while a giant sign was rolled out and displayed in front of the team afterward.

"It's a compliment to the school, the kids, the community and everybody else that had a hand in this thing getting 500 wins," Katy coach Gary Joseph said. "The support they get — you go to the game, and you know you're going to have a full house. That has to mean something to the kids, and it means something to all these people."

Katy (9-0, 6-0 District 19-5A) has won 116 games in nine seasons under Joseph, who followed 200-game winner Mike Johnston.

"Being a part of it, I wouldn't ask for anything more," senior defensive back Quinn Atwood said.

Pivotal third quarterCinco Ranch (6-3, 4-2) had a chance — and the momentum — when the second half started.

After the first delay extended halftime, the Cougars drove 70 yards behind backup quarterback Nick Mika, who replaced Cole Thomas (leg injury) late in the first quarter.

Mika scored on a 24-yard option keeper, but the teams were pulled off the field before the extra point. After more than an hour, Jared Barrera's kick cut Katy's lead to 17-14.

"We came out to the start the second half after that delay and we were pretty flat. I didn't do a good enough job," Joseph said. "We came out the second time, and it was my job to make sure we were more emotional and more ready to go, and our kids responded pretty well there."

The Tigers and running back Adam Taylor needed three plays to push the lead back out. The senior accounted for all 64 yards on the drive, including a 56-yarder on first down. He scored from 2 yards out, adding to the 60-yard touchdown run he had in the first quarter.

Taylor finished with 265 yards on 23 carries. When Cinco Ranch got to within a score in the fourth, Taylor went for 24 and 22 yards on Katy's next drive before Rodney Anderson scored on a 24-yard run. Anderson finished with 87 yards rushing and two scores.

"We have a great backfield and the offensive line does a great job blocking," Taylor said. "Anybody can break at any moment."